Paris is a city that doesn’t put on a show but breathes; in the soft light along the Seine, in the glances of passersby, and in the silence between two footsteps, you can sense why people continue to dream here.
Paris is much more than just the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
I’d love to invite you to my street photography “ masterclass ” in Paris this year! Immerse yourself in two days of (street) photography in the cosmopolitan city of Paris.
Every year, Paris is flooded with visitors drawn by its iconic monuments, bustling squares, and unmistakable atmosphere. It is a city of contrasts: the sophisticated cafés along the Champs-Élysées contrast with the raw energy of the street performers in Belleville; the serene beauty of the Jardin du Luxembourg stands alongside the lively bustle of the Marché Bastille. Here, the light changes with every step—from the soft morning glow on the Seine to the dramatic shadows in the alleyways of Le Marais. Paris exudes art, romance, and stories just waiting to be captured.
“Pariswas beautiful. Michiel planned great routes with varied cityscapes. We talked a lot about choosing color or black-and-white. We also discussed the photos that “you could take but don’t want to”; developing your own style. With Michiel, you really make progress!”
Paris doesn’t ask anything of you. You don’t have to be a tourist, an expert, or an art lover. All you have to do is look. Along the Bassin de la Villette, people sit with nowhere to go. In the alleys of Belleville, laundry hangs out to dry and music drifts from open windows. At Père-Lachaise, someone walks their dog, as if it were just a park. That is the real Paris, and that is exactly what we are going to photograph.
For two days, we’ll explore neighborhoods you won’t find on postcards. From the covered arcades around the Palais Royal to the hill of Montmartre, from the gritty Belleville to the cool shade of the Sacré-Cœur. I’ll show you how to navigate a city as a photographer—how to choose your moments, how to wait, how to take risks. You’ll go home with photos you’re proud of. And with a new way of seeing that will stay with you forever.
PARIS
Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26
Paris: A Classic Experience
Do you love photography and want to take on a new challenge? Do you want to discover a city that will surprise and inspire you? Then my conceptual photography workshop in Paris is perfect for you!
Paris is the city where classic black-and-white photography truly comes to life. The timeless charm of Montmartre’s cobblestone streets, the elegant silhouettes on the Pont Neuf, and the play of light and shadow in the alleyways around the Pantheon evoke the atmosphere of the great masters, such as Cartier-Bresson.
The soft Parisian light and the unique architecture provide the perfect canvas for high-contrast images full of depth and emotion. As a street photographer, I’d love to help you capture these classic moments. With my guidance, you’ll learn how to use composition, timing, and atmosphere to create images that not only capture the character of Paris, but also help you discover your own black-and-white style.
I have a boundless passion for portrait and street photography and a talent for sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm (or so others say!). I’ll guide you through the most interesting and photogenic locations in the city. My goal: to provide you with all the feedback and advice you need to improve your photos and develop your own style.
“I took partin the street photography workshop ‘ masterclass ’ in Paris. I had a great time and learned a lot! Spending two days putting street photography into practice under Michiel’s guidance was a real treat. Highly recommended!”
September 25 and 26: Paris
September is the month of return. Parisians come back from vacation, refreshed, and reclaim their city. The cafés fill up again, the markets are livelier, and you can feel that quintessentially French energy that had briefly given way to quiet during the summer. The tourist crowds are gone, but life certainly isn’t. In September, Paris belongs to the Parisians themselves, and you can see it.
The light changes in September. It becomes more golden, lower, and the shadows take on more character. The trees are just beginning to change color, the streets are a little less crowded—but that also makes them easier to photograph. People are dressed differently, the outdoor cafes fill up with coffee cups instead of glasses of rosé, and the city has a calm atmosphere that gives you space to look around. From a photographic perspective, September in Paris is one of the richest months of the year.
I'll be staying at the Ibis Style Hotel Paris Batignolle in September 2026.
It's happening again in 2027, on September 17 and 18!
June 4–5, 2027: Paris
June is the month when Paris really comes to life. Parisians swap their coats for lighter clothing, the outdoor cafes fill up, and everyone seems to have more time on their hands. The city exudes summer, from the ice cream vendors along the Seine to the students lounging on the grass in the Tuileries. You can see that relaxed feeling reflected in the faces on the street, and that’s exactly what makes it so beautiful to photograph.
The light in June is long and soft. The sun doesn’t set until late, which means you can take photos well into the evening during that “golden hour” that photographers cherish so much. Long shadows, warm hues, bustling terraces. Paris in June is generous. The city gives you the photos.
Who is this masterclass for?
This masterclass lasts two days, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and is suitable for anyone who wants to take photography seriously—from people just starting out in street photography to photographers who’ve been out and about for a while but want to take the next step. It’s precisely that combination that makes it interesting: you’ll learn from me, but also from each other.
All you need is a camera—whether it’s an SLR, a mirrorless camera, a compact camera, or a smartphone. You’ll learn to see a city in a new light and create more compelling compositions. You’ll learn how to work with light, shadow, color, movement, and perspective. You’ll learn how to photograph people without disturbing them.
And you’ll learn how to tell your own story through your photos. You’ll do this by practicing and observing me and the others in the group. Throughout the day, I’ll give you assignments that challenge you to see things differently. These are always very well received because they help you stay focused. All of this will make you look at your surroundings more consciously, leading to stronger photos.
Paris? It's easy to get around!
For Dutch participants: Paris is definitely a great way to travel. In my experience, it costs somewhere between 50 and 150 euro (one-way). So that’s affordable and sustainable. Prices for hotels vary, and in Paris, prices vary by location. Personally, I’m a fan of the B&B Hotels chain—simple but fine—but I can also enjoy a chain like CitizenM. Public transportation is well organized with the metro.
Sign up soon, because space is limited. Don't miss this chance to improve and refine your photography and discover a unique city. I look forward to seeing you in Paris! 📸
The itinerary for this masterclass street photography tour in Paris
The " masterclass " lasts two days:
Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Friday, June 4, and Saturday, June 5, 2027
Friday, September 17, and Saturday, September 18, 2027
On day one, we'll visit the Bassin de la Villette, the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, the charming historic Belleville neighborhood, and the Père-Lachaise Cemetery.
On day two, we’ll explore Paris’s covered arcades via the Louvre. Passing through the Palais Royal, we’ll visit the Vivienne and Verdeau arcades, among others, and end up in Montmartre at the Sacré-Cœur.
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Start at the square near the La Vilette Rotunda (Google maps)
Stalingrad or Jaurès Metro Station
10:00 a.m.
Meet and greet
Short presentation on street photography
11:00 a.m.
Out onto the streets for the first challenge
12:30 p.m.
Lunch break (at your own expense)
1:15 p.m.
Out onto the streets for the second challenge
3:00 p.m.
End of Day 1 -
Start at the Tuileries Garden, Grand Bassin Rond (Google maps)
Tuileries Metro Station / near the Louvre10:00 a.m.
Brief summary of Day 1
Q&A session
11:00a.m.
Out on the streetsfor the first assignment
12:30 p.m.
Lunch break (at your own expense)
1:15 p.m.
Out on the streets for the second assignment
3:00 p.m.
Workshop wrap-up with refreshments
Still in Paris on Sunday? Be sure to check out Rue Mouffetard on your own—every Sunday at noon, local residents dance in the street there. Highly recommended!
Photo Review:After the " masterclass ," you can email me up to 8 photos taken during the " masterclass ." I’ll then give you personalized tips and tricks to take your photos to the next level.
We’ll start both days at 10 a.m. and finish around 3 p.m.—so you’ll still have time to explore Paris on your own! Most of the places we’ll visit are within walking distance, but that does mean you’ll need to bring sturdy shoes!
Costs for this masterclass
This two-day " masterclass " in September 2026 is now only 628 euro. That includes my book *De Straatfotobijbel * 🇳🇱! Regular price: €698.
Groups consist of 2 to a maximum of 5 people, to ensure personal attention. If you’d like a certificate of participation, I’ll be happy to send it to you after the workshop!
Price does not include travel and lodging; you’ll book those yourself based on your own budget. We’ll take a break for lunch halfway through the workshop (at your own expense). Paris is, of course, full of boulangers (bakeries), but you’re free to choose something else if you’d like.
What are you waiting for? Treat yourself to this two-day " masterclass " in Paris! We look forward to seeing you there!
Paris doesn’t ask anything of you. You don’t have to be a tourist, an expert, or an art lover. All you have to do is look. Along the Bassin de la Villette, people sit with nowhere to go. In the alleys of Belleville, laundry hangs out to dry and music drifts from open windows. At Père-Lachaise, someone walks their dog, as if it were just a park. That is the real Paris, and that is exactly what we are going to photograph.
For two days, we’ll explore neighborhoods you won’t find on postcards. From the covered arcades around the Palais Royal to the hill of Montmartre, from the gritty Belleville to the cool shade of the Sacré-Cœur. I’ll show you how to navigate a city as a photographer—how to choose your moments, how to wait, how to take risks. You’ll go home with photos you’re proud of. And with a new way of seeing that will stay with you forever.
PARIS
Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26
Details of the masterclass
Guided assignments based on assignment cards that you can take home with you.
Focus on techniques before lunch, and on creating a series after lunch.
Of course, I'll share all my experiences with you, and help you learn to see things differently.
You'll receive my book * Straatfotobijbel * so you can keep practicing after the * masterclass *.
Free access to all Photofacts courses for one month with the book.
This masterclass course lasts two days, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (2 x 5 hours).
I'll take you to the best places!
A brief review at the end of the day (including coffee or tea, of course).
We keep groups to a maximum of 5 people to make sure everyone gets personal attention.
Level: all levels, from beginners in street photography to advanced photographers.
Recommended camera: Any camera, preferably with a prime lens.
Recommended lens: Generally, use any lens you're comfortable with, but a good guideline is 28 to 50mm full-frame.
You can do the editing yourself at home, as you see fit. I am happy to give you feedback 8 photos by email.
Paris doesn’t ask anything of you. You don’t have to be a tourist, an expert, or an art lover. All you have to do is look. Along the Bassin de la Villette, people sit with nowhere to go. In the alleys of Belleville, laundry hangs out to dry and music drifts from open windows. At Père-Lachaise, someone walks their dog, as if it were just a park. That is the real Paris, and that is exactly what we are going to photograph.
For two days, we’ll explore neighborhoods you won’t find on postcards. From the covered arcades around the Palais Royal to the hill of Montmartre, from the gritty Belleville to the cool shade of the Sacré-Cœur. I’ll show you how to navigate a city as a photographer—how to choose your moments, how to wait, how to take risks. You’ll go home with photos you’re proud of. And with a new way of seeing that will stay with you forever.
PARIS
Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26
This masterclass can be conducted in Dutch or English.
This group workshop will take place with a minimum of 2 participants.
About Michiel
My name is Michiel Heijmans, and I’m a professional photographer. I teach masterclasses in street photography both in the Netherlands and abroad. I’ve written the photography books * De Wet van de Straat*, * The Observer *, and the instructional book * Straatfotobijbel*. In 2025, I appeared on the show * Het Perfecte Plaatje * while traveling. I’m also the co-host of the popular photography podcast * 30 Minuten Sluitertijd*.
